Participants laid out newspaper on picnic tables and readied themselves for the Great Pumpkin Carve-Out contest in Boardman Park Oct. 11. They chose their pumpkins from giant bins and set to work carving them with various tools.

Jennifer Reeds and her son Noah participated for the first time.

“It’s something to do together, a big community thing, really just for him to have fun,” Jennifer said.

Carving their pumpkin was a little difficult, she said.

“But I’m getting it,” she added.

The pair didn’t know a hay ride was part of the event. Noah said he was excited about it. He was also excited about the bounce house.

Also included was a rock climbing wall and Jocko the Clown created balloon art. Participants could purchase food such as S’mores, doughnuts, cider and hot chocolate. A bonfire was available for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs.

Jaye Beshara regularly attends with her grandson Sebastian. This year they brought along a friend, Teon Davis.